Dublin is bracing for security threats and large-scale disruption ahead of the biggest events of Ireland’s EU presidency, amid Europe’s wave of false bomb threats, The Irish Times reports.

An Garda Síochána has hired coaches costing at least €2 million to bring officers to the capital for what Taoiseach Micheál Martin called the biggest policing operation in the State’s history. The European Political Community meets Thursday, 12 November, and EU heads of state and government Friday, 13 November, both at the Convention Centre Dublin.

After bomb threats to Irish media and airlines across Europe, Martin said every possible contingency is in place. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said threats to RTÉ, Bauer Media, Virgin Media and Mediahuis are being taken “extremely seriously” and investigated.

While the national threat level remains “moderate,” the risk of an attack or security incident at the meetings is rated “substantial.” Sources said the email to Irish media was “crude” and “generic” — the same message sent to 50–60 outlets across Europe, with no Ireland-specific target. Russian or Russia-aligned involvement has not been ruled out, nor confirmed.

About 50 heads of state and their officials are expected; Shannon Airport will serve as a backup transport hub.

Source consulted: Bomb threats heighten tensions as world leaders due to meet in Dublin — The Irish Times.

Image: Convention Centre Dublin (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0).

Sources consulted: Bomb threats heighten tensions as world leaders due to meet in Dublin — The Irish Times.